FAST GRADIENT-ECHO MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF THE NORMAL DIAPHRAGM

To determine the ability of fast gradient-recalled echo (GRE), breath- hold magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to depict all regions of the dia phragm, 13 volunteers were scanned in coronal and sagittal planes. The central to anterior left hemidiaphragm and the posterior lumbar porti ons were each demonstrated in 12 subjects (92%). The crura were visibl e crossing anterior to the aorta in the sagittal plane in eight subjec ts (62%) and in the coronal plane in six subjects (46%). in the sagitt al plane, the right crus was evident in eight subjects (62%). Muscular portions of the diaphragm in contact with the liver or body wall were less frequently discernible, and the central tendon could not be conf idently resolved. Several artifacts occurred that interfered with visu alization of the diaphragm. These observations indicate that many regi ons of the diaphragm can be seen with fast GRE, breath-hold MRI, but t here are some limitations in depicting the diaphragm in its entirety.